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About Me

I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Normal...

During the past week I have begun to worry about going into
pre-term labor. My pregnancy with Robby taught me the difference between
a Braxton-Hicks contraction and painful cramping. What I have been
experiencing on an uncomfortably frequent basis was definitely not the
typical Braxon-Hicks type contraction. I began to worry that something
was awry. Needless to say, I was extremely anxious before my OB/GYN
appointment yesterday morning.

After
talking with the doctor about my recent experiences, she promptly began
the examination. I became concerned when she excused herself from the
examination room to consult with another physician. I may not be a
medical expert, but I am aware that seeking another professional opinion
in the midst of an exam is never a good sign!

I
lay on the table covered with a paper gown while trying to maintain
some sense of dignity with my legs in stirrups until both doctors
returned. Having four sets of hands poking and prodding while I was in
the most immodest position is not an experience I wish to relive!
Finally, both physicians were in agreement.

Apparently
my little baby has decided to lie down in utero. At this stage, he or
she should be at least quasi-vertical to accommodate for the growing
size and in preparation for childbirth. My little one is completely
horizontal with the entire length resting on the bottom of my uterus.

Right
now we don't know if the baby is just comfortable and prefers to be
prone or if he (or she) is bound in that position because of the
umbilical cord. I have a sonogram scheduled for next Monday which will
answer the question. In the meantime, as long as the baby keeps kicking
and punching me, I am to assume that everything is fine.

Incidentally,
it turns out that the baby lounging is also a contributing factor to my
ongoing weight loss. At this stage I am supposed to be gaining
approximately one pound a week. Instead I am steadily losing at that
same rate. So far I have lost over 30 pounds being pregnant. (Although
in all fairness it is difficult to tell because of the large baby bulge
at the bottom of my belly.) The doctors surmise that, in addition to my
thyroid issues impacting my appetite, the baby's position is compressing
the entire stomach. In other words, I am sporting a baby lap band at
the moment.

While I'm happy to have answers
about the painful cramping and weight loss, I am also frustrated. I
wish that this would be a normal pregnancy! Of course, I also realize
that "normal" is not part of our family vocabulary.